Portsmouth Avenue Corridor - Flexible Zoning Initiative

PORTSMOUTH AVENUE CORRIDOR STUDY

How we started: In the winter of 2011, a subcommittee of the Zoning Ordinance Review Committee (ZORC) was formed to focus on the Portsmouth Ave. corridor to study and consider possible improvements to the zoning regulations and development process. This group had heard of a new type of zoning process, called form-based codes and wondered if it was a good fit for Portsmouth Ave. (For frequently asked questions about form-based codes click here.)

Since that time, the ZORC Subcommittee developed a land use study document including draft goals for the corridor. (To view the Portsmouth Ave. Corridor Land Use Study including maps click here.) They also learned about various aspects of form-based code (FBC) and how such a zoning system and process may benefit future development of the corridor. The group brought in local experts for guidance, and researched other towns that had gone through a similar process. After assessing the work needed to create FBC for the corridor, the subcommittee determined an expert was needed to assist them. In the latter part of 2013, Jeff Hyland from IronWood Design Group was hired. The following is an outline of the progress expected to be completed in 2014.

Project Outcomes: The FBC Subcommittee determined that the project needed to emphasize well thought out design standards for the Portsmouth Avenue corridor that addressed various issues especially access, parking, signage, architectural appearance, streetscape settings, and landscaping. Some of the goals they developed included the following:

Process Related Goals:

a. Invite public input, work with land use boards and with town departments especially Public Works, Planning and Building Departments in developing a corridor plan.
b. Create a review process that will provide an effective and efficient means to review property proposals along the corridor.
c. Create a process that will help stimulate redevelopment and provide incentive for property owners to invest in their properties.

Transportation Related Goals:

a. Work with Department of Public Works , Planning Department and volunteer board members to draft a “Complete Streets” policy and create a multi-modal corridor that is safe for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.
b. Reduce conflict points between user groups
c. Improve the “walkability” of the corridor including establishment of links to neighboring residential areas.
d. Optimize coordination for improved access for all users including deliveries.
e. Define parking standards and requirements, including shade tree islands, snow
storage and removal, lighting, sizing considerations, and sharing options.
f. Create a “way-finding” standard to improve overall signage.

Aesthetics Related Goals:

a. Create architectural standards that accentuate the unique character for each of
the three zones.
b. Create signage standards that allow for noticeable, readable and clear signage,
yet that don’t become overbearing or create safety hazards for vehicles and
other corridor users.
c. Develop minimum landscaping standards for each zone.
d. Create streetscape standards that relate to the appearance, function and private
/public interface for the corridor

Scope of Work: The FBC Subcommittee hired Jeff Hyland of Ironwood Design Consultants and worked together to develop the following draft documents. An overview of the process to date was presented on January 6, 2015. Click here for a copy of that presentation.